DS - The Goddess
The most technologically packed car of all time was launched on October 5th1955 to a stunned Paris
Salon.
The replacement for the
Traction featured a breath-taking, roomy, comfortable, aerodynamic body and a
central hydraulic systemwhich fully powered the steering, brakes, clutch, gearchange and revolutionary air/fluid hydropneumatic self-levelling suspension system.
Delightful touches included the one spoke steering wheel, full length translucent roof panel, foot operated parking brake, amazing visibility and high set rear indicators alongside the deeply wrapped rear screen. It was not just beautiful and technologically packed - it was fast and robust - proved through competition, including outright wins in many rallies, including the Monte Carlo.
Over 12,000 orders were taken for the DS on its first day on public show at the Paris
Salon.
In 1967, the D Series added directional and self-levelling headlamps to its impressive list of engineering features which prolonged the life of the model to over 20 years. So advanced was the DS that today, most other motor manufacturers have yet to catch up.
Available as a four door saloon or five door estate car as standard, the car was also available with a range of coach built bodies, including limousines, coupes and convertibles. Manufactured by the carosserie of Henri Chapron, the cabriolet became a factory model as the years went by, and is widely regarded as one of the most beautiful and most desirable cars of the era.
By the time production ceased to make room for the CX in 1974/5, close to1.5 million DS had been made in many countries around the world, making it one of the enduring icons of France. The role played in saving the life of Charles de Gaulle, when attacked by would-be assasins, by allowing an escape down the side streets of Paris even though riddled with bullets, only perpetuated the myth of the D.
Citroen Car Club UK
